When you hear someone mention leadership, what comes to mind? What sort of picture does this word conjure up for you? What qualities and principles are the first to come to mind?
Strength. Charisma. Confidence. Perhaps these are the ideas that you picture when asked what leadership looks like. Indeed, these qualities are an essential part of any leader’s makeup. But another essential element those in authority should possess is humility.
In this article, we’ll explain why it is so important for leaders to cultivate a humble attitude. We’ll also explain what humility looks like in a leader and will provide advice to help you develop this essential quality.
What Does It Mean to Be Humble?
According to Mirriam-Webster, humility can be defined as: “freedom from pride or arrogance.” This basic definition is helpful, but let’s discuss the meaning of humility a bit more.
Humble people see themselves realistically, recognizing their strengths but also their flaws. Their vision of themselves is not tinted with pride. Rather, they have an accurate sense of their worth, while still acknowledging their failings and limitations.
Studies have shown that humility is often linked with other positive traits. For example, research from Duke University revealed that humble individuals are more likely to reflect carefully on new information and consider it with a critical mind. This means that those who exercise humility are more adept at spotting false information, enabling them to make better decisions.
Those with a humble attitude also find it easier to take on board criticism. This means it is often easier for those with humility to modify problematic behaviors and practices, working always towards self-improvement.
What Does Humility Look Like in Leadership?
Now that we’ve explained what humility is, we will now consider what this quality looks like in leadership. When leaders are humble, how does that affect how they perform in their roles?
- A humble individual is more able to hear and act on criticism from others. This is because those with humility recognize their failures and shortcomings and also understand that having such weaknesses in the first place does not determine their worth. Everyone has their flaws; how we respond to them and address them says more about our character than these defects themselves;
- Humble people constantly strive to learn and better themselves. As a result, leaders who exercise humility are open-minded and fair, solution-focused rather than problem-oriented;
- People who cultivate humility are happy to share what knowledge they have with their employees but are also happy to let others take the lead when their own experience and knowledge fall short.
This desire to learn in a collaborative environment isn’t the only marker of a humble leader. Here are a few other things that you can expect.
Good Listening Skills
As a leader, it’s important to be assertive. You should be good at communicating your ideas to others in a way that is both clear and engaging. But being an active listener is just as important—perhaps even more so.
Again, humble leaders are not ignorant of their shortcomings. This means that they are perfectly willing to hear out ideas from other people and welcome the chance to learn from their peers. This is not only beneficial for the leader but also for their employees—who will no doubt appreciate feeling heard and valued at work.
Admitting to Weaknesses and Gaps in Knowledge
As we’ve already stated, humble leaders have a thorough understanding of their flaws and are aware of gaps in their knowledge. But that’s not all. A leader who truly values humility will also display a willingness to be open about these shortcomings.
Of course, we’re not saying you should announce all your failures from the rooftops; after all, you should still work to maintain the confidence your team places in you. At the same time, leaders shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions or request clarification where necessary. Doing so in front of your employees will show them it’s alright for them to do the same.
Compassionate Leadership
Leaders who are aware of their flaws are more likely to be forgiving of their employees’ shortcomings, too. They don’t expect perfection from their workers, and so are more able to deal with mistakes in a healthy, compassionate way. This, in turn, leads to a more positive work environment.
Developing a more compassionate leadership style will also help you become more approachable to your employees. Not only does this help them and make the workplace a healthier space to work in, but you will also have the satisfaction of knowing that your workers trust you as their boss.
Why Is it So Important for Leaders to Cultivate Humility?
Now that we’ve discussed what humility looks like in leadership, let us consider why it’s so important. Every leader has their own style, after all. Is humility always an essential quality to develop?
In our opinion, yes! Let us explain why.
It Makes You More Approachable and Relatable
At some point, you’ve no doubt had to deal with an arrogant individual, whether at school, work, or in your personal life. How approachable did you find them? In all likelihood, not very!
By contrast, those who develop humility tend to be far more welcoming and agreeable. As such, leaders who cultivate this quality will find that their employees feel more comfortable approaching them with questions and ideas. Oftentimes, such interactions can greatly benefit a company.
Humility Encourages Innovation
As we’ve mentioned already, humility can help to foster a spirit of collaboration within your company. This means that your employees will be more willing to share ideas with the team—ideas that can be built upon to help provide innovative solutions to your problems.
When led by a team leader who is arrogant and closed off to new ideas, however, it’s far less likely that workers will feel encouraged to share ideas. This can severely curtail the growth of your company and make it an unpleasant place to work.
Being Humble Increases Your Influence
In the introduction to this article, we mentioned charisma as one of the key qualities of a successful leader. What comes to mind when you hear this word? Perhaps you envisage someone with a good sense of humor. Someone with a strong personality who can capture the attention of a room and hold it.
If that’s what you’re imagining, you’re not necessarily wrong. However, humility can make you more charismatic, as well. Humble leaders often are more influential, with employees who are more willing to trust and follow them.
How Can Leaders Develop a Humble Attitude?
We’ve established what humility is, what it looks like in leadership, and why it’s so important to cultivate. Now, there is just one question remaining: how can leaders develop this type of attitude if they don’t already possess it? What practical steps can you take to cultivate the quality of humility within yourself? Here are just a few techniques.
Own Up to Your Mistakes
Holding yourself accountable for your mistakes is an essential quality both in and out of work. Remember that it’s okay to make mistakes. It’s how you address these errors that matters. Rather than shifting the blame to someone else when you do something wrong, accept your shortcomings and determine how best to address them.
If you own up to your mistakes and deal with them in a healthy way, your employees will follow your example and do the same. This helps to foster an environment of acceptance where people take responsibility for their actions.
Practice Active Listening
We’ve already spoken about the importance of active listening. But what exactly does this mean, and how can you work on it?
Active listening is when you make a concerted effort to hear not only the words people say but also the real meaning behind them. Take a real interest in what your colleagues have to say and remember that a conversation between yourself and an employee is a dialogue. Both of you should get to speak and be heard.
Don’t Take Yourself too Seriously
Another tip for developing humility is to not give in to vanity—in other words, learn to laugh at yourself every once in a while! A leader who can’t take jokes or criticism can be very off-putting and even alienating.
Of course, you deserve to be spoken to with respect. But your employees shouldn’t be made to feel as if they need to walk on eggshells around you. Make sure that you take criticism and advice with good grace, and don’t be afraid of cracking a smile at jokes and jibes.
Avoid Micromanaging
Micromanaging your employees achieves little other than convincing them to quit. No one appreciates having a manager breathing down their neck, controlling their every move—and a humble employer shouldn’t feel the need to do so in the first place.
Don’t fall into the trap of believing that your way is the only right way to do things. Instead, allow your employees the agency and autonomy they deserve. This encourages your workers to develop their own style, which in turn can help boost innovation in the workplace.
Final Thoughts
As this article has shown, the importance of humility in the workplace cannot be understated. This essential quality helps encourage happier employees and a healthier work environment, boosting the success of your company in the long term.For those who are not innately humble, developing this attitude can prove a challenge. However, the many benefits of humility in leadership make this a truly worthy endeavor.
